The proposed extension of TransCanada Keystone pipeline would create jobs in the US and Canada and remains in both countries' best interests, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.

Keywords:

By PAUL VIEIRA

OTTAWA -- The proposed extension of TransCanada Keystone
pipeline would create jobs in the United States and Canada and
remains in both countries' best interests, Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper said.

Speaking to reporters in Quebec City, he said the Keystone
XL project would boost North American energy security and said
his views are well known in Washington. "We are fully convinced
that this in the national interest of both countries," he said.
"It is in our judgment an important project."

His brief comments mark the first time Mr. Harper has talked
about the Keystone after President Barack Obama cast doubt on
the number of jobs the project could create, as well as
raised concerns about the impact Keystone might have on carbonemissions. The Obama administration
has yet to make a final decision on whether to allow the project to proceed.

The planned pipeline, would connect the Alberta oil sands to
refineries on the United States Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, Mr. Harper also commented on TransCanada's proposed
pipeline to transport Alberta crude to Canada's east coast. He
said it is a good idea "in principle" in terms of selling the
country's energy projects. "We need to find pan Canadian
solutions," Mr. Harper said, adding, though, the project does face an independent environmental review.

Dow Jones Newswires

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